City, Sand, and Savanna - Link to new trip report

[glennbo123]

I'm really behind on replies (sorry!), but let's see if I can knock out a couple before it's time for pork and sauerkraut...

We appreciate your efforts, and willingness to risk a brand-new iPhone so strangers on the internet could see the ride.

I've got my priorities straight.

Looks really cool!

I've heard great things about the ride. Is Sum of All Thrills a comparable ride as far as how much you get tossed around? Maybe that's not a good comparison since you program SOAT yourself.

Yeah, it's probably comparable, but like you allude to, you don't know what's coming.

Well...you certainly showed her! She will now forever have the scorn of strangers on the internet.

Muhahahaha!

Only a Slytherin would force his wife to stare directly into the sun.

Well, "force" is a little strong.

You are ever the sacrificial sufferer!

I know. <places back of hand to forehead>

Come on, people. If only we were in a magical place that sold curses...

My "glare" spell did little damage.

Probably something more official-sounding, like The Great Hall Of Portraits.

Yes, that's probably it.

Ha! Take that, computer overlords!

I, for one, welcome our new computer overlords.

Thanks for all of the tips! I know my daughter will force me to take here there at some point.

You'll enjoy it.

the spoiler pic is pretty cool, never thought the ride would look like that but i guess it works.

Well now you know.

how many wands did you buy glenn? i know you have one on your desk at work.

It looks like no one in this picture is happy - almost like they are in character for the restaurant!

Ha! It does kind of look that way!

Like Camille, I know very little about HP, but I think you did a great job of sharing both your fun day and information about the park and attractions. Loved your spoiler, but too bad the magic was a little spoiled for you.

The movies are pretty good, if you're ever flipping through the dial. Yeah, it was kind of a shame to have that happen on the first ride, but that's the way it goes.

 

[glennbo123]

I am soooo far behind I am seeing myself coming and going

Me too Rosie, me too.

Hopefully I can at least now keep up!!! I have been partying up a storm thru work and organizing shopping for 10 people is a nightmare

Too much partying, huh. I believe it.

Then handling the family feud at my other job !!! These people do NOT get it that all the bickering they do about where this one individual is spending Christmas ends up with me being ATTACKEDJust off the phone with round 16

Oh wow, I'm sorry to hear that. You know what they say -- no good deed goes unpunished!

I loved this update!

That's quite a compliment Dee, after your killer Universal TR.

The Wizarding World is such a well-themed area. Small, especially in the shops, but packed with awesomeness!

Agreed!

Thanks so much for the FJ spoiler! You are exactly correct about the technology. A couple of years ago when we were waiting in line at the Sum of All Thrills, the CM there told us the ride mechanism was the same type as in FJ.

Cool. I thought it was similar, but didn't realize how much so. Kind of shows you how the other ride elements enhance the ride...becuase SoAT isn't all that thrilling, but when you put the rest of the theming to it, and the movie elements like they did at Universal, it's a pretty amazing ride.

Great motion sickness warning sign. I haven't noticed that!

That's too funny about the stupid locker lady "story". We have fortunately been able to avoid the evil Universal lockers. Only had to use them once, at Men in Black, in 8 days of visits to US/IoA.

Those lockers are unreal!

We also had an issue with obnoxious guests in the FJ queue line. A person behind me was annoyed when I stopped to take a picture of the Mirror of Erised.

It seems like people behave a little differently at Universal than at Disney, sorry to say. I don't get it when people are annoyed when you pause for a picture in a line that you'll be in for like 45 minutes. Have no fear, there'll be time to catch up!

And a family who cut us in line by sneaking under one of the railings in the greenhouse in FJ. Let's hope theme park karma is alive and well and takes care of obnoxious cutters!

Yes, I'm hopeful for theme park karma! I like that.

Too bad Judy didn't get to go through the line again, but it looks like she had a nice time window shopping and taking in the atmosphere.

Yeah, she made the most of her time.

The food at 3 Broomsticks is really good. We enjoyed both our meals there. But we still haven't seen the owl or house elf shadows that move on the walls.

It looked pretty good, I'd like to try it sometime. I hadn't heard about the owl or house elf shadows.

You have a great assortment of magical drinks there! We prefer the frozen butterbeer over the regular. I don't mind the pumpkin juice on tap (at either 3 Broomsticks or Hogs Head), but I found the stuff in the pumpkin bottle to be kind of "sludgy"

Ha ha, that's a good description of the pumpkin juice. Sludgy and syrupy. Mmm, we're really sellin' that stuff for 'em, aren't we?!

I didn't realize you had updated again and now I am trying to speed read before work.

What, like you'll be busy at work?

I really want to get to Universal - it's on the books for next October. Thoroughly enjoying all your pictures!

It's worth a visit, and you've been to enough Disney stuff to justify allowing one trip off-site. Thanks!

 

[glennbo123]

Glenn, in all honesty, I am so far behind on the DIS, that all I have been able to do the last ten days is read and NOT make a lot of comments.

So I enjoyed the update, and I wish you, Judy and all of your family a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS GLENN AND FAMILY!!!

Merry Christmas to you and the family Glenn !! I started my new 2014 PTR and the Grannie Thread and yes the links are in siggie

Glenn, Merry Christmas to you and yours, a day late...

Hope you had a nice holiday and Happy New Year if I don’t make it back.

Thanks everyone for the Merry Christmas wishes!

 

[glennbo123]

Great behind the scenes shot. I knew how the ride was supposed to work, but it's neat to see the actual ride vehicles.

I thought it was pretty cool!

I'm definitely glad you were able to get a second ride so that you could experience the queue. It really is impressive, isn't it?

Thanks. Indeed, it is.

I think you made a wise decision to get out of Potterville... or whatever it's called. It really is a cool, well detailed area, but you made a very good point about being "quaint" vs. being "small." It doesn't take too many people to make it crowded and there are a lot of people that want to be there!

Yeah, we'd experienced it, saw what we wanted to see, and decided to get out before the crowds got on our nerves too much.

What a fun update. Those shops are too small, I agree. I am not sure how you fix it but it can get pretty claustrophobic, as can the entire area. A bit too narrow everywhere.

Yeah, I don't know that the shops can be enlarged at this point, but that's my only criticism. Very cool otherwise.

Judy and James had a fair amount of standing around, I am at least glad they got to see the Triwizard teams.

Looked like a nice little show, but all I've seen is the pictures in this update!

We had our share of locker issues, I need to remember that and pack accordingly for those days. I guess in a way it's good Kerri is pregnant and my dad can't ride a few things...they can hold all our stuff!

Woo hoo! Built-in "stuff" holders!

I can't wait to see what it looks like with Christmas decorations.

Ooo, I'll bet that'll be nice. I hope you're having a great trip!

The harness. I think it has to click a few times. I am losing as I had surgery 2 months ago for it

Okay. I hope the surgery does the trick for you Scott.

 

[glennbo123]

Boo! We'll see how long it takes you to recognize me, my long lost friend. Been a while for sure.

Does your name start with "L" and rhyme with...hmmm, I can't think of anything that it rhymes with. Does it start with "L" and rhyme with nothing?

Welcome back, I'm so glad to see you!! I trust that you and your clan are well.

I know who you are. Welcome back!

Jill in CO

It's good to see her!

I've really missed you all! I mean that. Life has been hard and good and full of surprises and hard work. And it's not over yet. Thanks for the welcome!

Sounds like "life"! Are you still taking courses?

Well, because I have no life other than family and work, (which isn't really such a bad life, is it?) I'm gonna go slow and skip directly to the juiciest parts of your TR (WDW, duh)- not that the other parts of your trip were'nt juicy, but I'm resisting (it's difficult!) getting sucked into being on here 24/7 again.

Yeah, I understand that. (But there's good stuff in the NYC and Vero Beach portions of the report too. )

Your intro was smashing, not just with pictures and the usual great writing, but well, your plans as well. Sorry for the late flight arrival and less-than-optimal room location. But really, how can one truly complain with the real estate you call "home"? The view is definitely beautiful no matter how you slice it, or point the lens, or however eloquently want to word it.

Yeah, it was a good spot to view the savanna, I just didn't want my parents to have to walk so far. I do love calling that resort "home".

Ahhh, James and the Community Hall. What can I say? I imagine this wont be the last of forays for him this trip.

It doesn't take much to amuse him. He got a hold of some bubble wrap a little while ago and Marlene said that she knows what to get him for Christmas next year.

Ahhh broken down rides, misdeeds of an unknown locker lady and Butterbeer! Sounds like an exciting morning!

Wow, when you put it that way, it does sound exciting!

Having never seen the WWoHP I've read with interest in the hopes that some day I'll see it for myself.

Oh, you should get there one of these days!

I missed wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas but I can wish you an early Happy New Year!

Aw, thank you...and a Happy New Year to you and your family also!

 

[englishrose47]

I think I know who steppesister is !!! Anywho welcome back !

 

[englishrose47]

I did it again !!!!

 

[Steppesister]

Does your name start with "L" and rhyme with...hmmm, I can't think of anything that it rhymes with. Does it start with "L" and rhyme with nothing?

Welcome back, I'm so glad to see you!! I trust that you and your clan are well.


Sounds like "life"! Are you still taking courses?

Yeah, I understand that. (But there's good stuff in the NYC and Vero Beach portions of the report too. )

Well actually yes... and no. Err... I mean no there isn't. Except maybe Tower of Pisa. But that would just be ridonculous to try to work that into your writing. Unless you have a trip to Italy up your sleeve.


We are all well, thanks. Life is very busy and we've gone through some rough patches, but there's always hope! I am done with all the pre-req's I needed and although I was an alternate for this year's class of Nursing school, I wasn't admitted. So I'm done until September when I'll start a 2 year program.

I'm sure I'll retro-read... don't worry.

 

[Steppesister]

I think I know who steppesister is !!! Anywho welcome back !

HI ROSIE!!!!! It's great to slooooowly make my way back.

 

[glennbo123]

Sorry to take you on such a distant blast from the past Glennbo. (Puh-leeeze. Who am I kidding? I know you love it.)

You reminded me of when I first starting DISing and was reluctant to comment on earlier chapters because I thought that the author wouldn't want to re-hash older stuff. And this was on TR's like Jordan's! Yeah, right!

Chapter2.

Of course you have the same arrival day tradition; it's just how we roll.

Cue the fiddler, on the roof... "Traditioooon, tradition! Tradition!"

Thoughts :

Whut's that?

1) Your kids done went and growed up. Better put a stop to that. Before you know it they'll be bringing fiancès home. Trust me I know. It happened to me recently.

Yes, the time is flying by. A little surreal, actually.

2) What the what? A new Lego creation?!?! Stop! You're killing me!

I think you're commenting on James buying a Lego set? Yes, hard to believe.

3) Delayed food =Grumpy Steppesister

It wasn't helping my demeanor any either!

4) Technical question: (because I'm too lazy to do the research myself) Do you have to have an AP to get a TIW card? I didn't know that.

Prior to this trip, yes. (And we had Annual Passes that we used over 2 trips before this one.) Shortly before this trip, they also allowed them to be purchased by DVC members who did not have Annual Passes, so we lucked out on that one because for this trip I was using the tickets that we got from PChef and then added some days to.

Now, carry on.

Happy Holidays Glenn!

Thanks Mary Kay! Right back 'atcha!

Glad WWOHP went reasonably well. I made FJ and then I was done for a few hours.

Ooo, sorry to hear that it did you in for a little while. I hope it wasn't too bad.

Too bad you did not get to eat at Three Broomsticks. I really enjoyed that.

It looked really cool, but our timing was off a little.

I though HP World was really well done. I loved how well they recreated it, but I hated how small and crowded it was. I also was bothered by all the snow. I know most of the books are set in winter, but it was not always cold, and with it being so hot most of the time in Florida I think they should have skipped the snow.

I know what you mean about the snow. I have the same thought about Blizzard Beach, although I've never been there. But with the pictures I've seen, all I can think of is the glare!

I loved the stores, windows, FJ, Olivanders, and frozen butter beer. Looking forward to Diagon Alley for sure.

That'll be good, no doubt!

I acutally think I liked Cars Land better just due to the size and scale and not feeling so cramped. DH preferred WWOHP.

I hope to see Cars Land one of these days.

Looking forward to more as I have over nine months until my next Disney fix.

Hang in there!

 

[glennbo123]

Glenn, to you and all the family

​

Happy New Year to the Glennbos !!!!

A big Happy NY to the GB clan from another GB clan.

Thanks for the New Year's wishes! I wish all my Disboards friends a happy and healthy New Year as well. One and a half days down, and so far, so good!

 

[glennbo123]

And chapter 3...

Ahhhh, Yeehaw Bob. What a fun show he puts on! I still have the signed picture he gave me, but better than that I have a whole lotta great memories of laughing my head off for 2 hours.

He does. He's a treasure. Good family-friendly fun!

I'm glad your parents were game for that sort of ridiculous fun! It's hard to believe they were still going after that very early wake up!

Yeah, the power nap did the trick and they were ready to go. For a little while anyway!

WWoHP looks mighty nifty.

A perfect description GB.

Looking forward to the IOA recap.

Me too. And I'm looking for someone to write it!

I think I know who steppesister is !!!

I'm pretty sure you do!

I did it again !!!!

You're the master!

Well actually yes... and no. Err... I mean no there isn't. Except maybe Tower of Pisa. But that would just be ridonculous to try to work that into your writing. Unless you have a trip to Italy up your sleeve.

Right, we can't allow any ridiculous writing to appear in this TR!

We are all well, thanks. Life is very busy and we've gone through some rough patches, but there's always hope!

That there is!

I am done with all the pre-req's I needed and although I was an alternate for this year's class of Nursing school, I wasn't admitted. So I'm done until September when I'll start a 2 year program.

Well, we DISers are selfishly happy for your break! And maybe it's just what you needed.

I'm sure I'll retro-read... don't worry.

Whew!

 

[glennbo123]

Hey DISer's (and especially Pat), I thought you'd like this Hidden Mickey I found the other day while at a dinner party at a co-worker's house. I think you'll spot it without too much difficulty.

I also posted this on Instagram, and you can follow me there (I'm glennbo123 there also).

 

[KatMark]

hey diser's (and especially pat), i thought you'd like this hidden mickey i found the other day while at a dinner party at a co-worker's house. I think you'll spot it without too much difficulty.

I also posted this on instagram, and you can follow me there (i'm glennbo123 there also).

love it!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Hey DISer's (and especially Pat), I thought you'd like this Hidden Mickey I found the other day while at a dinner party at a co-worker's house. I think you'll spot it without too much difficulty.

I also posted this on Instagram, and you can follow me there (I'm glennbo123 there also).

Impressive!

 

[Steppesister]

Let's see if I remember how to reply in color...

You reminded me of when I first starting DISing and was reluctant to comment on earlier chapters because I thought that the author wouldn't want to re-hash older stuff. And this was on TR's like Jordan's! Yeah, right!

Got a Christmas letter from him.... He sounds like he's doing well!

And I'm afraid I brought the flashback party with me. I'm sure you'll survive. Cuz, we'll your TR's are just so gosh darned fun to read. By the way, I got a huge raise at work today, so maybe, just maybe this wedding will be debt free afterall, and there'll be some leftover for school- which is completely off-topic, but hey, what's the DISFamily without the sharing of good news?



Whut's that?

Aren't we Mr. Funny...?

Yes, the time is flying by. A little surreal, actually.

Too.

I think you're commenting on James buying a Lego set? Yes, hard to believe.

Actually, no, that part wasn't too outlandish (I mean it IS James); I was commenting on the new Lego thingy. That's the first I'd heard of it.



Prior to this trip, yes. (And we had Annual Passes that we used over 2 trips before this one.) Shortly before this trip, they also allowed them to be purchased by DVC members who did not have Annual Passes, so we lucked out on that one because for this trip I was using the tickets that we got from PChef and then added some days to.

OK. Good to know that I'll never be owning one.

 

[Steppesister]

More shenanigans:

Me too. And I'm looking for someone to write it!

For the right price I"m sure GB is up for it. Bacon oughta do it.



Right, we can't allow any riculous writing to appear in this TR!

Pssssh. NO one would see it coming! Keep it stealth, my friend...


Well, we DISers are selfishly happy for your break! And maybe it's just what you needed.

Well, to be honest Someone sure knew I needed it. Wedding's aren't cheap; and my money tree is still in it's development phase.I"m glad I can bring some sort of entertainment value though to my being here.

 

[englishrose47]

HI ROSIE!!!!! It's great to slooooowly make my way back.

Glad to se you back !!! I have been causing havoc since you left adth Boys still pick on me

 

[englishrose47]

Glenn LOVED the Hidden Mickey!!!!

 

[Steppesister]

Glad to se you back !!! I have been causing havoc since you left adth Boys still pick on me

It's good to BE back!

Soooooo.... nothing's changed.